We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. What to Buy Haircare Products After 1,600 Hours of Testing, These Are The 14 Best Scalp Treatments The best scalp treatments tackle issues like dryness or dandruff head-on while making your scalp healthier over time By Daley Quinn Daley Quinn Daley Quinn is a beauty and health journalist who has covered the lifestyle space for over ten years. health's editorial guidelines Updated on September 27, 2024 Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD Susan Bard, MD, is a board-certified general and procedural dermatologist with the American Board of Dermatology and a Fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery. learn more Fact checked by Richard Scherr Fact checked by Richard Scherr Rich Scherr is an updates strategist and fact checker for Health.com. He is a seasoned journalist and editor with over two decades of experience, he has held several leadership roles at major publications. health's fact checking process In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Ingredients to Look For How We Selected Our Experts What to Know About Scalp Treatments Who We Are Health If you are dealing with scalp issues like dandruff, hair thinning, or folliculitis, using a scalp treatment can help improve your head health. Most scalp treatments contain active ingredients that promote blood flow to the hair follicles, aiding in nutrient delivery. Additionally, they safeguard the scalp from free radicals and offer anti-inflammatory benefits to maintain the health of the hair follicles. When determining the best scalp treatment for you, it's important to ensure the ingredients suit your specific scalp type and condition. When it comes to taking care of your scalp, some issues, such as dry scalp, oily scalp, and dandruff, are easy to identify, while others, like seborrheic keratosis or psoriasis, require diagnosis by a dermatologist, advises board-certified NYC cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green. To help identify the best scalp treatments for the most common scalp concerns, we spent 12 weeks testing over 60 shampoos, oils, and serums. In addition, a board-certified dermatologist on our Medical Expert Board reviewed this article for medical and scientific accuracy. The Editor's Take As an editor at Health, I've done a dive deep into the world of scalp treatments. Although I don't have any major scalp issues, I understand how important it is to reset our scalps, even without constant irritation or flakiness. Ceremonia Papaya Scalp Scrub has become my go-to for a refresh. It gives my scalp a clean, invigorated feel without being too harsh while it also makes my hair feel lighter and fresher. Whether you’re dealing with buildup or just want a thorough cleanse, a scalp treatment can make a noticeable difference in your hair care routine. -Lauren Paige Richeson, Editor Ingredients to Look for in Scalp Treatments Over-the-counter scalp treatments can be effective if they contain the right formula. Here are the main ingredients to look for based on common scalp conditions: Dry Scalp: Hydrating products that do not strip the scalp of natural oils, such as aloe vera, colloidal oatmeal, and vitamin E, help moisturize dry scalps and reduce irritation and itching. Oily Scalp: Alpha-hydroxy, beta-hydroxy acids, and glycolic acid work to gently remove excess oil from the scalp. Buildup: Salicylic and lactic acids work to exfoliate the scalp and remove excess product, oil, and dead skin cells. Mild Contact Dermatitis: Colloidal oatmeal is an excellent ingredient for reducing inflammation and soothing irritated skin. Seborrheic Dermatitis: Coal tar is an active ingredient that reduces inflammation, itching, and flaking associated with seborrheic dermatitis. Psoriasis: Salicylic acid softens scaliness and reduces the thickness of psoriasis plaques by disrupting the bonds between dead and healthy skin cells on the scalp. This effectively eliminates dead skin cells and minimizes psoriasis symptoms. Folliculitis: Depending on the type and severity of your folliculitis, a dermatologist may prescribe an antibiotic topical solution or an antifungal shampoo. Ingredients to Avoid: Parabens, sulfates, and phthalates can irritate the scalp. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Biolage Scalp Conditioner at Amazon $26 Jump to Review Best for Flaky Scalp: Briogeo Scalp Revival Micro-Exfoliating Scalp Scrub Shampoo at Target $42 Jump to Review Best Budget: Dove DermaCare Anti-Dandruff Shampoo at Amazon $5 Jump to Review Best for Oily Scalp: Ceremonia Papaya Scalp Scrub at Sephora $34 Jump to Review Best for Hair Breakage: Kérastase Scalp & Hair Serum at Amazon $60 Jump to Review Best Detoxifying: Vegamour GRO Scalp Detoxifying Serum at Vegamour.com $36 Jump to Review Best Moisturizing Scalp Shampoo : LivSo Moisturizing Shampoo at Amazon $19 Jump to Review Best for Hair Loss: SALE Philip Kingsley Density Preserving Scalp Drops at Amazon $70 $59 Jump to Review Best Scrub: Goop G.Tox Himalayan Salt Scrub Shampoo at Amazon $55 Jump to Review Best for Dandruff: Mizani Scalp Care Anti-Dandruff Shampoo at Amazon $31 Jump to Review Best Overall Biolage Scalp Conditioner PHOTO: Amazon $26 at Amazon $26 at Ulta View on Bonanza.com Why We Like It The Biolage Scalp Purifying Concentrate was our top scalp treatment for its scalp-clearing benefits and added hair improvements. Its paraben-free pre-treatment formula uses glycolic acid and fermented tea, making it gentle for all scalp types. Right from the first use, our hair felt cleaner, healthier, and less frizzy. It reduced scalp itchiness and oiliness, lasting about three days between treatments. Unexpectedly, our hair became curlier and shinier, with healthier ends. Since it's a pretreatment, we massaged it for five minutes and left it for 20 before washing. The subtle floral, minty scent was pleasant, and at $26 for about 20 treatments, it’s worth the price. It's Worth Noting The product’s thin, runny texture was a bit challenging to apply, as it tended to drip down the face and neck during application. Product Details Type: Rinse-off Size: 6.8 fluid ouncesIngredients: Glycolic acid, fermented tea PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health Best for Flaky Scalp Briogeo Scalp Revival Micro-Exfoliating Scalp Scrub Shampoo PHOTO: Briogeo $42 at Target $134 at Sephora $42 at Ulta Why We Like It During our tests, we were extremely impressed with Briogeo Scalp Revival Micro-Exfoliating Scrub. It contains micro-exfoliating beads that gently but effectively remove flakes, dead skin, and the buildup that causes scalp irritation. After just a few uses, our hair texture felt noticeably improved, and dandruff was practically gone. This shampoo's hydrating power is so good that our styling products last longer, requiring fewer touch-ups. It also creates a luxurious lather without making our hair feel brittle. A small amount of product goes a long way, so you'll get many uses from one container. It's Worth Noting We found ourselves fumbling with the container in the shower and wishing it had a pump to prevent spills. Product Details Type: ScrubSize: 2 ounces, 8 ounces, 32 ouncesIngredients: Charcoal, coconut oil, micro-exfoliating beads, tea tree oil, panthenol PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health Best Budget Dove DermaCare Anti-Dandruff Shampoo PHOTO: Amazon $5 at Amazon $5 at Target $7 at Walgreens Why We Like It Dove Dermacare Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo lives up to its promise of soothing a dry, itchy scalp. After using it a few times, we noticed a significant reduction in itchiness and fewer dandruff flakes. It also moisturizes the scalp, preventing it from becoming overly dry after washing. The scent is mild and pleasant, with a faint hint of eucalyptus and coconut. We love that this shampoo is effective and highly affordable, making it a great choice for anyone on a budget. It's Worth Noting Noticeable improvements, like reduced itchiness and flakiness, take about 2-3 weeks of consistent use, which might be too slow for some users looking for a quicker fix. Product Details Type: ShampooSize: 12 fluid ouncesIngredients: Pyrithione zinc PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health Best for Oily Scalp Ceremonia Papaya Scalp Scrub PHOTO: Sephora $34 at Sephora $34 at Revolve View on Ceremonia.com Why We Like It Ceremonia Papaya Scalp Scrub Shampoo gave our oily hair a deep, refreshing clean without over-stripping or drying out the scalp. The papaya enzyme-infused formula, combined with gentle, exfoliating beads, breaks down excess oil, dirt, and product buildup. We were impressed that just one wash was all we needed to feel refreshed and flake-free. Additionally, the whipped texture of the product spreads easily, even through thick hair, ensuring that every part of your scalp gets the attention it needs. This is particularly important for oily scalps because excess oil often hides in harder-to-reach areas. It's Worth Noting This product doesn't come with a dispensing pump, which would make it easier to apply and cut down on waste caused by dropping the lid. Product Details Type: ScrubSize: 8 ouncesIngredients: Bolivian mountain salt, papaya enzymes, prickly pear extracts PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health Best for Hair Breakage Kérastase Scalp & Hair Serum PHOTO: Kerastase $60 at Amazon $60 at Sephora View on Kerastase-usa.com Why We Like It Addressing hair breakage starts at the scalp. Kérastase Initialiste Scalp & Hair Serum contains ceramides and proteins that strengthen hair cuticles and reduce breakage. During our test of this serum, we noticed significant hair growth and added thickness. Previously visible areas of the scalp are now filling in noticeably. Our stylist even remarked on how much it had grown, and we needed a haircut sooner than expected. The serum has a thin, watery consistency, and we used about three droppers per application. It did not irritate, and the mild floral scent didn’t linger. While it didn’t add extra hydration, this serum did improve the overall health of our hair and scalp. It's Worth Noting While we wouldn’t mind if the formula was slightly thicker, it’s a minor detail compared to the overall benefits. Product Details Type: SerumSize: 60 millilitersIngredients: Gluco peptide, wheat protein derivative, native plant cells Health Best Detoxifying Vegamour GRO Scalp Detoxifying Serum PHOTO: Vegamour $36 at Vegamour.com Why We Like It The Vegamour GRO Scalp Detoxifying Serum proved to be a soothing solution for scalp irritation, itchiness, and product buildup. After using it a couple of times each week, we noticed a significant reduction in itchiness and dandruff. It also helps extend the time between washes, allowing us to maintain that clean feeling for a few extra days. We also loved this serum's cooling sensation, which refreshed our scalp and soothed any irritation. Plus, the ingredients are 100% vegan, clean, and cruelty-free. It's Worth Noting This product won't add thickness or shine but it will calm irritation without weighing your hair down. Product Details Type: SerumSize: 2 ouncesIngredients: Willowherb extract, baobab extract, tea tree oil, Zinc PCA PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health Best Moisturizing Scalp Shampoo LivSo Moisturizing Shampoo PHOTO: Amazon $19 at Amazon View on Livso.com Why We Like It If you have dry hair and a flaky scalp, LivSo Moisturizing Shampoo is dermatologist-developed to treat them both. It combines coconut oil for moisture, glycolic acid to exfoliate, and xylitol to soothe irritation. This sulfate-free shampoo left our scalp feeling clean without leaving our hair feeling stripped and with a fresh pine scent. After the first wash, we noticed a significant reduction in dandruff and our hair felt moisturized but with no residue or greasy buildup, even after a few days between washes. It's Worth Noting If you also want added moisture or shine, pair it with a hydrating conditioner. Product Details Type: ShampooSize: 8.5 fluid ouncesIngredients: Xylitol, glycolic acid, coconut oil PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health Best for Hair Loss Philip Kingsley Density Preserving Scalp Drops PHOTO: Philip Kingsley $70 $59 at Amazon View on Philipkingsley.com $70 at Neiman Marcus Why We Like It Philip Kingsley Density Preserving Scalp Drops help minimize hair loss while allowing new, stronger hair to grow. The formula boosts the health of hair follicles, strengthens the hair shaft at the root, and increases blood flow to the scalp to improve hair density and reduce hair fall. After use, we noticed fewer hairs in our brush and even saw some baby hairs sprouting at the base of our head. Our hairdresser, who has been doing our hair for seven years, even mentioned it felt a bit thicker than usual. The application was easy, with no irritation. While we didn’t experience instant or dramatic thickness after six weeks, we were impressed enough by these small improvements to continue using it. It's Worth Noting You'll need to give the product three to six months to see more substantial improvements in hair density and overall scalp health. Product Details Type: SerumSize: 85 millilitersIngredients: Biomimetic peptide blend, piroctone olamine, glycerin, azelaic acid, pyridoxine HCL, zinc PCA, caffeine PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health Best Scrub Goop G.Tox Himalayan Salt Scrub Shampoo PHOTO: Amazon $55 at Amazon $55 at Sephora $15 at Credo Beauty We We Like It Using a scrub like Goop G.Tox Himalayan Salt Scalp Scrub Shampoo can promote better scalp circulation and help maintain a clean, healthy scalp. This salt scrub shampoo contains Himalayan salt, a natural exfoliant that removes dead skin cells, product buildup, and impurities from the scalp. We loved how this shampoo gave our scalp an incredibly deep clean but left our hair with lots of volume, smoothness, and shine. Even after an intense workout, our scalp stayed clear of flakes, a major win for anyone prone to post-wash flakiness. It's Worth Noting At a higher price than typical shampoos, it is a bit of an investment. Product Details Type: ShampooSize: 6.7 fluid ouncesIngredients: Himalayan pink salt, old-pressed moringa oil, pure unfiltered rosehip oil. PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health Best for Dandruff Mizani Scalp Care Anti-Dandruff Shampoo PHOTO: Amazon $31 at Amazon $31 at Sephora View on Mizani.com Why We Like It While dandruff is a common scalp condition, seeing white flakes on your clothes can be embarrassing. Mizani Scalp Care Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is ideal for anyone dealing with an irritated or itchy scalp, whether or not there are visible flakes. Compared to leave-on scalp treatments or oils that require pre-planning, this shampoo is easy and convenient. Just apply during your normal shower routine, let it sit for a few minutes, and rinse. It’s efficient and fits easily into a regular hair care routine. We also loved its refreshing, minty, herbal scent. It's Worth Noting The shampoo needs to sit on your scalp for a few minutes to work effectively, which adds to your total shower time. Product Details Type: ShampooSize: 16.9 fluid ouncesIngredients: Cucumber extract, peppermint oil, pyrithione zinc PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Byrdie / Michelle Edelbaum Best for Folliculitis Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo and Conditioner PHOTO: Dermstore $33 at Dermstore Why We Like It Folliculitis occurs when hair follicles become inflamed, resulting in soreness and irritation at the scalp. Treating the condition requires using a product that cleanses deeply without aggravating the scalp further. Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo uses ginger extract to soothe irritation and balance the scalp without stripping natural oils. We noted less itching, no flakes, and a healthier, balanced scalp. Plus, the scalp remained calm and comfortable even after a few days without washing. We also noticed less hair shedding, which could be linked to improved scalp health. It's Worth Noting The cost can add up over time for those with ongoing scalp issues who need to use it regularly. The good news is this shampoo lathers well, so a small amount goes a long way. Product Details Type: ShampooSize: 3.4 fluid ounces, 8.4 fluid ounces, 33.5 fluid ouncesIngredients: Rosemary oil, menthol, salicylic acid, ginger extract PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health / Sarah Roberts PHOTO: Health Best for Scalp Eczema SEEN Skin-Caring Fragrance-Free Shampoo PHOTO: Amazon $29 at Amazon $29 at Dermstore $29 at Ulta Why We Like It: For those with scalp eczema, using a shampoo that doesn’t exacerbate sensitivity is crucial. SEEN Shampoo was developed to be safe for sensitive, acne-prone, and eczema-prone skin. Awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance™, it is free from harsh ingredients like sulfates, silicones, phthalates, parabens, dyes, pore-clogging oils, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, and gluten. Its non-irritating formula helps keep the scalp clean and balanced, preventing excess dryness or buildup, which can worsen eczema. During our testing period, the shampoo didn’t fully clear the flakes on our scalp, but we did notice less irritation and could go an extra day or two between washes thanks to its ability to significantly reduce buildup. It cleansed thoroughly without stripping our hair or making it dry and brittle. Our hair felt hydrated without being weighed down. A little goes a long way, it lathers nicely, and is gentle enough for weekly use. Plus, it’s fragrance-free. It’s Worth Noting: Although the shampoo did a good job of reducing buildup and soothing the scalp, it didn’t completely clear dandruff or flakes. Product Details: Type: ShampooSize: 2 fluid ounces, 8.6 fluid ounces, 32.5 fluid ouncesIngredients: Hemisqualane, bisabolol PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health Best for Scalp Psoriasis Nizoral Psoriasis Shampoo & Conditioner PHOTO: Walmart $18 at Amazon $18 at Walmart $22 at CVS Why We Like It Nizoral Scalp Psoriasis Shampoo and Conditioner is specifically formulated for scalp psoriasis and uses 3% salicylic acid to help control flaking and scaling, reduce redness and irritation, and work fast for effective relief. After the first use, our hair felt cleaner, fuller, and less snarled than other psoriasis products, which was a pleasant surprise. For a couple of days after use, our scalp didn’t itch at all. However, our psoriasis fluctuated during the testing period, and while there seemed to be improvements mid-month, it didn’t fully relieve itchiness or prevent new scales. The shampoo was easy to apply, and we appreciated the mild scent didn’t linger on our hair. It’s Worth Noting This product works well for those with mild scalp psoriasis and may not fully cure severe psoriasis and itching. Product Details: Type: Shampoo and conditionerSize: 11 fluid ouncesIngredients: Salicylic acid, tea tree oil, green tea extract, and vitamins E, B5, and C PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health Best Scalp Oil Ceremonia Hair Oil & Scalp Massager Set PHOTO: Sephora $44 at Sephora View on Ceremonia.com View on Shopbop.com Why We Like It Ceremonia Aceite de Moska Scalp Oil proved in our test that a balanced scalp is the foundation of healthy hair growth. This nourishing oil left our scalp clean and our hair feeling more hydrated, fuller, and stronger. After six weeks, our hair grew about an inch. We noticed significant growth in shorter areas such as our bangs, side strands, and postpartum baby hairs at the base of our scalp. Despite the pre-shampoo oil's greasy texture, it didn't make our hair feel oily after washing it out. It left our hair healthier and itch-free, with no irritation or dryness. Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and comes in recyclable packaging, which we love. It's Worth Noting Because the oil is runny, you might use more product than expected each time you apply it. Additionally, the woody scent may be a bit overpowering. Product Details Type: OilSize: 2 fluid ouncesIngredients: Castor oil, babassu oil, rosemary extract, acai oil, passionfruit oil, palo santo oil Health Our Testing Process We spent 12 weeks testing 61 different shampoos, oils, and serums to find the best scalp treatments available over the counter. We used each scalp treatment as directed on the label one to two times a week throughout the testing period and accessed each product based on these attributes: Effectiveness: We gauged if we could see and feel a difference after using each product over the short and long term.Ease of use: We noted how easy it was to apply the treatment and if it left any residue on our hair or scalp after rinsing.Scent: We noted whether the product had a fragrance, whether we liked the scent, and whether the scent lingered after rinsing.Value: We determined whether we would recommend the product to others and whether we were likely to use the treatment regularly based on its cost and size. Our Experts We consulted with the following dermatologists, trichologists, and hair care specialists to ensure our scalp treatment recommendations are backed by scientific research and real-world results. Michelle Green, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist based in New York City. Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology David Kim, MD, MS, a board-certified dermatologist at IDRISS Dermatology Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, a board-certified cosmetic and medical dermatologist at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York and Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College Kerry E. Yates, a trichologist, beauty expert, and founder of Colour Collective Julie Russak, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Russak Dermatology Clinic What to Know About Scalp Treatments Hair Type: It's important to consider your skin and hair type since the product will be exposed to both the scalp and hair. As Dr. Murphy-Rose explains, a great product for your scalp might not benefit your hair, and vice versa.Intended Use: Many of the symptoms of scalp conditions look similar, so it's important to get a proper diagnosis from a dermatologist to understand which type of product will benefit you the most. Frequency of Use: Most scalp treatments are intended to be used daily or several times a week on a clean scalp. Dr. Yadav recommends parting your hair and applying the treatment in sections to ensure full coverage of your scalp, then allowing at least 2-3 minutes before rinsing so the product can absorb completely. Who We Are Daley Quinn is a writer for Health, specializing in beauty and health. She used her personal experience with scalp treatments and interviewed multiple experts for their recommendations for the best scalp treatments on the market. Suzie Glassman is a wellness writer for Health with a background in nutrition coaching and personal training. She's a diehard skincare fan constantly searching for products to relieve dry skin. She has a tween daughter who only occasionally listens to her advice and may be more obsessed with skincare than she is. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit